Kalanchoe beharensis 'Brown Dwarf' (Dwarf Velvet Elephant Ear) - A smaller leaf form of the otherwise slow growing succulent tree-like shrub with leaves forming in a rosette less than six inches wide that are small, contorted and deeply dissected and covered with soft brown hairs. This plant is considerably less robust and smaller growing than the species, which can grow up to be a small tree to 12 feet tall. We have never seen this cultivar flower. Plant in full sun or light shade where it is a bit greener but better protected from frost as it likely is fairly tender but we experienced no damage to plants grown outside with temperatures down to around 30°F. A drought tolerant plant that requires little to no irrigation. This cultivar was an International Succulent Introduction (ISI) from 1986 as ISI 1671 and noted as being rooted cutting from a plant Werner Rauh collected near Behara, Madagascar. It has also been listed under the cultivar names 'Nana' and 'Ruptured Lollipop'. The name Kalanchoe is somewhat of a mystery - there is some thought that it comes from a phonetic transcription of the Chinese words 'Kalan Chauhuy' meaning "that which falls and grows", likely in reference to the plantlets that drop from many of the species but others believe it from the ancient Indian words 'kalanka' meaning "spot" or "rust" and 'chaya' meaning "glossy" in reference to the reddish glossy leaves of the Indian species K. laciniata. The specific epithet "beharensis" is in reference to the occurrence of this plant at Behara, Madagascar. For more information on the species and a listing of other Kalanchoe cultivars of the species that we grow see Kalanchoe beharensis. We first received this plant with a collection of plants from the estate of the late Jim Prine, beloved nursery friend, plantsman and animal trainer.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Kalanchoe beharensis 'Brown Dwarf'.